Intro
This post is important to you (yes, really). Studies find that the longer you spend sitting the greater is your chance of dying from heart disease or cancer, becoming diabetic or having a stroke. A review of 47 studies found that prolonged periods of sitting was strongly linked to negative health outcomes independent of exercise levels (source).
(image credit: Pixabay free use picture website)
The Problems
Some of the many negative problems that arise from sitting too much are:
- Foggy Brain: Muscles that move will pump fresh blood and oxygen throughout the body including the brain and this will trigger the release of all sorts of brain-enhancing chemicals. When you are sedentary for too long , this slows, including your brain function. This can also lead to worsened general mental health.
- Bad Back: When you move your body the soft discs between your vertebrae expand and contract like sponges, they will soak up fresh blood and nutrients. If you sit for a long time the discs are compressed unevenly, the nutrient absorption slows and collagen will harden around tendons and ligaments.
- Significant Increase in Mortality Rate: This one is quite alarming. Research is showing that the longer you are sitting and sedentary the greater your chance of dying from all causes. In fact those who sit for more than 7 hours per day have a 60% greater risk of dying compared to their more active counterparts.
The Solution
Sit less of course, this is a no-brainer. If your have a desk job see if your company will provide a standing desk.
Force shorter sitting times, take regular short walks and watch less television. These will all reduce the risk of increased heart disease and diabetes.
Further Reading
National Center for Biotechnology Information article
Washington Post article
The Guardian article
Web MD article
New York Magazine article